Windproof umbrella

ABSTRACT

The windproof umbrella of the present invention comprises a central shaft, telescoping ribs and a canopy, as well as an optional vent cap. The ribs comprise a base and a telescoping portion that result in a frame that is substantially windproof. Compared to the structure of a typical single rib, the telescoping nature of the ribs of the present invention provides a structure that is much stronger than a normal rib. The overall result is a windproof umbrella that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of outdoorequipment, and more particularly to a windproof umbrella.

2. Description of Related Art

The need for umbrellas and outdoor protective gear is well known in theart. As a result, prior art solutions have been developed for a widearray of possible problems that can occur during inclement weathersituations. Umbrellas are useful for protecting against harsh sunlight,as well as being particularly useful for protection against inclementweather that includes precipitation.

Generally, what is required for protection against the rays of the sunis a canopy that comprises sufficient area to ensure that the user(s) issubstantially shaded. Although other locales exist where umbrellas areemployed, umbrellas are most often used for their sun protectionqualities along the coast, such as at the beach. However, weather at thebeach also generally includes winds of great velocity. To prevent thetypical beach umbrella from blowing away or inverting, beach umbrellasare often secured via their central shaft. As a result, the canopyportion of the umbrella must withstand the full force of the winds. Theunfortunate result is often that the canopy will “blow out,” renderingthe umbrella permanently damaged.

The ways that an umbrella protects its user from precipitation is notdifficult to achieve, but the winds and gusts that accompany bad weatherwill easily turn an umbrella canopy inside out. An individual using anumbrella will often wear less protective clothing on their personbecause of the anticipated protection provided by the umbrella.Unfortunately, if the umbrella is inverted by winds or gusts, theindividual becomes completely unprotected from the elements as a result.

A number of prior art solutions have been proposed to combat theseproblems. Some of the solutions incorporate additional metal stays,and/or venting mechanisms, and are discussed in further detail below.

Lin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,157 discloses a windproof umbrella thatattempts to achieve a windproof configuration by means of pulling ropes.When the umbrella is opened, the pulling ropes impart a tension on theouter portion of the umbrella cloth and the main portion of the umbrellasupport. As such, the strength of the rope is designed to be greaterthan that of any wind gusts that the user may encounter.

Johnson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,017 discloses an example of anumbrella that includes a reinforced rib structure designed to preventinversion due to strong winds. The reinforced rib structure is disclosedas including a strut member that is connected to the main post sleeve atone end, and to the rib portion at the other. The strut acts to providethe additional strength necessary to prevent inversion of the umbrellacanopy.

Okuda, U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,661 discloses another example of an umbrellastructure that has been reinforced to prevent inversion in windyconditions. The structure includes what is termed a tension member thatterminates in hook portions. The hook portions are used to attach theouter rib section to the interior section, while the tensioning memberitself provides the additional strength necessary to prevent inversion.

Culver, U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,886 discloses a wind resistant umbrella thatis preferably utilized in conjunction with a picnic style table. Theumbrella avoids inversion due to high winds by allowing for ventingprior to inversion. Venting is accomplished by means of the canopy,where the canopy is divided in sections. Each section is only attachedto one rib, thereby allowing for venting along the unattached sideshould the pressure caused by the wind require it.

You, U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,814 discloses another umbrella that utilizes aventing technique to prevent inversion due to high winds. Venting isaccomplished by means of a dual canopy system, whereby an upper canopylays atop a lower canopy and it attached in a manner that allows forventable regions.

Reese, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0031509 discloses aportable sunshade, which is essentially an umbrella type device. Thedevice includes telescoping rib supports that can be seen in FIG. 10.There are no particular windproofing aspects of this device, other thana weighted support to prevent tipping.

Ko, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0022458 disclosesanother example of a prior art windproof umbrella device. This deviceachieves its windproof capability by means of a plurality of two prongedtension members. The tension members are connected to a ring located onthe main support of the umbrella, and then branch out to connect to tworib members. The result is that the tension prevents the umbrella frominverting in high wind situations.

One disadvantage of the aforementioned devices is that they aregenerally too complicated to be manufactured, or operated efficiently orin a cost-effective manner. The user will be faced with a choice betweenpaying a premium for an alleged non-collapsible/wind-proof umbrella, orsimply supplementing a normal (non windproof) umbrella with additionalpersonal rain gear.

Therefore, what is required is an umbrella that can be used in bothinclement weather and sunny environments.

What is also required is an umbrella that will protect the user fromundesired elements, while withstanding any winds and/or gusts that mayaccompany these weather situations.

It is also required to provide an umbrella that is not overlycomplicated to manufacture or operate, and is a cost-effective solutionto the problem of collapsing umbrellas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anon-collapsible and/or windproof umbrella that protects the user fromthe elements, while affording the user protection from the occurrence ofhigh winds and sudden gusts.

What is provided is a non-collapsible and/or windproof umbrella that mayinclude telescoping elements. The telescoping elements provide theadditional strength necessary to prevent collapse or inversion due tohigh winds and gusts. The umbrella may also include a venting portion asan addition, but this feature is merely an add-on, as the improved framestructure is sufficient to provide the windproof qualities necessary toimprove over the prior art, and to solve the problems not addressed.However, the combination of both the telescoping elements along with theventing portion provides a novel combination that provides the highestprotection against collapse and/or inversion. Additional features andlimitations will be apparent from the accompanying detailed descriptionand drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the umbrella frame of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the umbrella frameof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a detailed view of a portion of the umbrellaframe of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a detailed view of a portion of an alternativeembodiment the umbrella frame of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the canopy portionof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the vent cap portion of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the windproof umbrella including the vent cap.

FIG. 8 is a detailed side view of the vent cap displaying the interiorside wall of the vent base.

FIG. 9 is a detailed side view of the vent cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the windproof umbrella 1 of the presentinvention includes a primary canopy 7, supported by a plurality of ribs4. The ribs 4 may include a base rib 5, and a telescoping rib 6. Theribs 4 are connected to the central shaft 2 at the base rib 5. The ribs4 are connected to canopy 7 at forming ribs 8. The forming ribs 8provided connections, as well as form for the umbrella 1. The umbrellais transformed from a closed position to an open position by raisingshaft collar 9, which is slidably connected to central shaft 2. Ribstays 3 assist in the raising of ribs 4 to achieve the open position.

FIG. 2 displays an alternate embodiment of the windproof umbrella 1 ofthe present invention including a secondary stay 13. Secondary stay 13is preferably connected to telescoping rib 6 in an alternate embodimentin order to assist in full extension of the ribs 4 to achieve thedesired open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the internal portion of ribs 4 that may include aspring 10. Spring 10 may assist in providing the desired tension to theouter portions of canopy 7, in addition to allowing for the flexibilitynecessary to switch from a closed to an open position, and vice versa.The term “spring” is used broadly to indicate any material, part, orcombination of parts that is capable of providing compression, tensionand similar forces. FIG. 4 also illustrates a detailed picture of spring10 along with the alternate addition of secondary stay 13.

Therefore, it is seen from the views of the present invention that awindproof umbrella 1 is achieved by means of the novel rib assemblydisclosed. The typical umbrella generally has its weakest point at anarea somewhere near the midpoint of the rib. This weakness has beeneradicated by the present invention because the telescoping nature ofthe rib provides a structure that is much stronger than non-telescopingconfigurations. The spring portion helps to ensure that the telescopingaction takes place, and the tension of the canopy helps to retain thetelescoping portion of the rib in place.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the canopy 7 that includes a vent cap14. Vent cap 14 allows for additional stress release by means of ventingportions. Vent cap 14 may be secured to ribs 4 along the rib portions,yet are not attached at the section that the runs transversely betweenribs 4. Where canopy 7 includes a vented portion at its center, aventing embodiment is added to the telescoping rib embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be noted that windproof capabilities areachieved by means of the telescoping portions without the addition ofthe vented portion, but the vented portion allows for another line ofprotection.

FIG. 6 displays a top view of vent cap 14, and details an alternateembodiment where vent cap 14 comprises a vent base 12 and a vent top 11.FIG. 7 displays this embodiment in a side view of windproof umbrella 1.FIGS. 8 and 9 show side view details of vent cap 14 comprising thealternate embodiment of a vent base 12 and vent top 11. In FIG. 8 it canbe seen that vent top 11 preferably hangs over vent base 12, as can beseen by the broken line that indicates the top of vent base 12. Theoverhang prevents water from entering the underside area of windproofumbrella 1. Both vent base 12 and vent top 11 are preferably connectedto central shaft 2. In another embodiment vent top 11 may be slidablyconnected to the central shaft 2 to allow it to rise in the event ofpressure caused by wind or gusts. When vent top 11 is not in a raisedposition, it should form a substantially water tight seal with the sideof vent base 12; this seal may be improved with the use of a rubbergasket or similar material as is known in the art.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat variations and modifications can be substituted therefore withoutdeparting from the principles and spirit of the invention.

1. A windproof umbrella comprising: a central shaft; a plurality of ribsextending from said central shaft; a plurality of rib stays connected tosaid plurality of ribs; and a canopy connected to said plurality ofribs.
 2. The windproof umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of saidplurality of ribs further comprise a base rib and a telescoping rib. 3.The windproof umbrella of claim 2, wherein said base rib and saidtelescoping rib include a telescoping relationship.
 4. The windproofumbrella of claim 3, wherein said telescoping relationship furthercomprises a spring.
 5. The windproof umbrella of claim 4, furthercomprising a plurality of forming ribs, whereby a desired shape isformed in the canopy.
 6. The windproof umbrella of claim 5, furthercomprising an open position and a closed position.
 7. The windproofumbrella of claim 6, further comprising a shaft collar, wherein saidshaft collar is slidably connected to said central shaft.
 8. Thewindproof umbrella of claim 7, wherein said open position includes a topshaft collar position.
 9. The windproof umbrella of claim 8, furthercomprising a plurality of secondary stays attached to said plurality ofribs.
 10. The windproof umbrella of claim 9, wherein said secondary stayis attached to said telescoping rib.
 11. A windproof umbrellacomprising: a central shaft; a plurality of ribs extending from saidcentral shaft; a plurality of rib stays connected to said plurality ofribs; a canopy connected to said plurality of ribs; and a vent caplocated substantially in the center of said canopy.
 12. The windproofumbrella of claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of ribs furthercomprise a base rib and a telescoping rib.
 13. The windproof umbrella ofclaim 12, wherein said base rib and said telescoping rib include atelescoping relationship.
 14. The windproof umbrella of claim 13,wherein said telescoping relationship further comprises a spring. 15.The windproof umbrella of claim 14, further comprising a plurality offorming ribs, whereby a desired shape is formed in the canopy.
 16. Thewindproof umbrella of claim 15, wherein said vent cap further comprisesattached areas, wherein said attached areas are coextensive with saidplurality of ribs.
 17. The windproof umbrella of claim 15, wherein saidvent cap further comprises a vent base and a vent top, wherein said venttop overhangs said vent base.
 18. The windproof umbrella of claim 17,wherein said vent top is slidably related to said central shaft.
 19. Awindproof umbrella comprising: a central shaft; a plurality of ribsextending from said central shaft; a plurality of rib stays connected tosaid plurality of ribs, wherein each of said plurality of ribs furthercomprise a base rib and a telescoping rib, and wherein said base rib andsaid telescoping rib include a telescoping relationship, and whereinsaid telescoping relationship further comprises a spring; a canopyconnected to said plurality of ribs; and a vent cap locatedsubstantially in the center of said canopy.
 20. The windproof umbrellaof claim 19, wherein said vent cap further comprises a vent base and avent top, wherein said vent top overhangs said vent base, and, whereinsaid vent top is slidably related to said central shaft.